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One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Dinner

One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Dinner
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This One-Pan Lemon Basil Chicken Dinner is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with fresh lemon, aromatic basil, garlic, and a buttery sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal cleanup, making it a nutritious and elegant dish suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to create a flavorful base.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Lemon Basil Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse extra flavor.
  4. Simmer with Basil and Tomatoes: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves over the top. Cover and cook for another 7-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced slightly.
  5. Final Touches and Serve: Gently stir everything to combine the flavors and spoon sauce over the chicken. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken first to achieve a better sear and prevent steaming.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to ensure proper browning.
  • Use fresh lemon and basil for vibrant, authentic flavor.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Scrape up the caramelized bits from the pan to add depth to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, lemon basil chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe, gluten-free, healthy chicken, skillet meal

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/one-pan-lemon-basil-chicken-dinner/